Graphic: DC Pro Bono Week 2022 How to find pro bono work that helps the environment

DC Pro Bono Week 2022: How to Find Pro Bono Work That Helps the Environment!

Hosted by D.C. Environment and Energy Associations (DCEEA) Please join the Washington Council of Lawyers and members of the D.C. Environment and Energy Associations (DCEEA) for a pro bono week panel to discuss ways to get involved in environmental and climate change initiatives. With so much attention being given to climate change, you may be wondering how you can get involved in grass-roots and pro bono efforts. Our panel of experts will discuss ways to get involved in various aspects of pro bono work from litigation, to advocacy, to hands-on non-legal volunteer opportunities. Attendees will leave with tangible ideas and ways to get involved. Our discussion will be led by: Abbey Doyno, Executive Director, Green Pro Bono William Halnon, Staff Attorney, Outreach & Engagement Coordinator, Chesapeake Legal Alliance Christine Appah, Adjunct Professor of Law, Environmental Justice, Cardozo School of Law Ariel Solaski, Staff Litigation Attorney with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will moderate the discussion. Join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook using #DCPBW22!

Graphic: DC Pro Bono Week 2022 Doing Good & Doing Well

DC Pro Bono Week 2022: Doing Good & Doing Well: The Ethics of Low Bono Practice

Hosted by DC Refers This presentation will address ethical implications associated with representing individuals of limited means at a reduced fee. Offering affordable legal representation to people of modest means helps to satisfy a tremendous unmet need in the District of Columbia and many other cities around the country. Topics to be addressed include (i) how the DC Rules of Professional Conduct recognize low bono representation as fulfilling public service obligations under Rule 6.1, (ii) using limited scope representations to serve the needs of low bono clients and lawyers alike, (iii) how applicable ethics authorities permit lawyers to work with non-profit organizations to find clients in need of representation at reduced rates and more. Our speaker will be Charlie Lemley, DC Refers Board Chair, Adjunct Professor of Professional Responsibility at George Mason University, Antonin Scalia Law School, and Senior Counsel at Wiley LLP. Charlie has years of experience in professional liability and insurance coverage litigation, legal ethics, and issues related to legal diversity. He primarily represents insurance carriers and lawyers in insurance coverage and legal malpractice cases at the trial and appellate levels. He has written numerous articles and presentations on a variety of professional liability and legal ethics topics including third-party claims against lawyers. He recently served as Chair of the District of Columbia Bar’s working group on limited scope legal representation. This program will be choc full of useful and practical information but is not approved for CLE or ethics credits in any jurisdiction. Come and learn! Then join the discussion on social media using #DCPBW22!

Graphic: Litigation Skills Trial Plan 101

Litigation Skills Series: Trial Plan 101

A successful trial strategy includes careful planning from the moment you take a case - even if you think it will never get to court. Good case preparation is the key to good advocacy. In this session of our Litigation Skills series, we will explore how to evaluate a case, determine trial strategy, organize the theme of the case, plan for discovery and document review, evaluate witnesses, and make trial decisions during trial. Our discussion will be led by Matthew Edwards, Partner at Ain & Bank. Matthew focuses on high-stakes matrimonial cases involving complex financial arrangements, family-owned or closely held businesses, and complex custody matters. He volunteers as a family law mentor for the D.C. Bar Advice & Referral Clinic and when necessary is a tenacious courtroom advocate at the trial court and appellate levels. This Litigation Skills Series session is free to attend, but registration is required, and donations are encouraged to support our programs! Grab a colleague and reserve your spot today.    

Graphic: Pro Bono Awards Nominations Now Open

Nominations now open for our 2022 Legal Services and Government Pro Bono Awards!

We are now accepting nominations for our 2022 Legal Services Award and Government Pro Bono Award. Each year at our Awards Ceremony, we recognize the extraordinary work of some of the District’s most dedicated public-interest and government pro bono lawyers. Our 2022 Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday, December 1. Our Legal Services Award recognizes a dynamic legal-services lawyer who represents low-income clients, works to improve access to justice, or thinks creatively to solve difficult legal problems. Our Government Pro Bono Award commends a dedicated government lawyer who also volunteers time to organize pro bono efforts or represent low-income clients. Nomination materials are due by 5 pm ET on Wednesday, October 5, 2022. The awards criteria and nomination instructions are here.

Graphic: Fall Kickoff 2022

Fall Kickoff 2022

RECONNECT WITH US IN PERSON! Join us as we bring the community back together at our Fall Kickoff. The Fall Kickoff is a chance to meet members of our vibrant pro bono and public-interest community; get more involved in our programs, activities, and committees; meet our new board members and officers; and sign up for our upcoming programs and events. And, it's fun! At this casual happy hour, you can learn about how to get involved in our work, gain pro bono and public-interest advocacy skills, and build strong professional connections. Our Fall Kickoff is free, thanks to our hosts Goodwin Procter. We hope you will attend, and invite friends to join you!  Spread the word!  #FallKickoff22 RSVPs are requested so that we know how many to expect.

Graphic: Professional Presence

Professional Presence – Digital Edition

By now, everyone knows not to post inappropriate pictures on their social media page. But do you know how to use social media and digital platforms to position yourself as a knowledgeable, competent, and passionate advocate in your chosen practice area? Do you know how to go beyond the basics to develop a communications plan that will help you reach your career goals? At Professional Presence - Digital Edition, Renata Aguilera-Titus, Director of Communications and Development at the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless, will show you how to develop a professional communications strategy and give you concrete guidance to make your online time efficient and impactful. We will discuss how to align your professional social media with the mission of your organization (or the organization you'd like to join), how and when to comment on news of the day, and who to go to if you need help. We'll go far beyond the basics of a LinkedIn profile. We'll discuss how to create a professional online presence that will gain you the kind of attention that moves your career forward. This program is ideal for law students, new lawyers, and anyone who wants to take control of their online presence. Once you register, join the conversation, follow along for tips, and share your thoughts on social media using #ProPresence

Graphic: Leadership for Lawyers

Leadership for Lawyers with Jim Sandman

Lawyers hold leadership positions across many segments of American society -- not only in law firms, corporate legal departments, and public interest organizations, but in public service, business, academia, and a variety of non-profit organizations. But unlike other disciplines, the law profession does not adequately prepare its leaders. In order to be prepared for leadership roles, lawyers must look for opportunities for growth from the very beginning of their careers. During this discussion, we will explore the basics of leadership for lawyers, such as the characteristics that make for strong leaders. We will also discuss leadership styles in various settings and how to plan for leadership development. It's never too early to start developing leadership skills. Jim Sandman teaches Leadership in Law at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Prior to joining Penn Law full-time in 2020, he was President of the Legal Services Corporation, General Counsel of the District of Columbia Public Schools, Managing Partner of Arnold & Porter, and President of the District of Columbia Bar. He also serves on Washington Council of Lawyers' Honorary Board. Follow the conversation on social media using #LawLeadership.

Graphic: Panelists headshot collage

Supreme Court: View from the Press Gallery Recap

On Thursday, July 7, 2021, lawyers, law students, and legal professionals around the country attended our 34th annual Supreme Court: View from the Press Gallery event. Our panel of journalists who cover the Court talked about the unusual recently concluded term. The discussion started off with everyone agreeing that it was a momentous term for a number of reasons.

Graphic: Best Practices in Pro Bono Responsible Storytelling

Best Practices in Pro Bono: Responsible Storytelling

Our pro bono clients entrust us to share their stories – whether to win their case before a judge, to recruit a volunteer to handle their case, or to promote our pro bono programs.  How can we share these compelling, often extremely personal narratives in a responsible manner that respects our clients’ dignity and authenticity, without losing its impact?  When recounting the experiences of clients living in under-served communities of color, how can we best convey important economic and racial justice implications without using stereotypes and overgeneralization as a shortcut?  Our panel of experts will share their best practices for responsible storytelling. Our panelists include: Allyson Boucher, Communications Director, Children’s Law Center  Ciarra Crowe, Senior Communications Coordinator, Children's Law Center Patrick Orciani, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Legal Aid Society of DC Ben Weinberg, Pro Bono Partner, Dentons Paul Lee, Pro Bono Counsel at Steptoe & Johnson LLP will moderate our discussion. Our conversation will take place from 12:00-1:15 pm ET. Following the panel, you are invited to join a small group breakout room for 15 minutes with one of our panelists for further discussion and networking. Join us to learn, and stay after the panel to continue the conversation! Best Practices is free to attend, but registration is required, and donations are encouraged to support our programs! RSVP today and invite a friend or colleague to join you!

Graphic: 2022 Summer Forum Keynote Kristen Clarke

2022 Summer Forum Keynote with Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke

Washington Council of Lawyers' Annual Summer Forum began on June 8 with an engaging and eye-opening discussion by keynote speaker Kristen Clarke. Kristen Clarke is the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice and served as a lifelong civil rights lawyer and advocate in the public service. AAG Clarke was joined in conversation by Nicole Austin-Hillery, President & CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. and Washington Council of Lawyers Board Member. This first session touched on topics of opportunities such as the Attorney’s General Honors Program in the Justice Department, the ability civil rights lawyers have to tackle important issues, the duty to give back to the community, and promoting the importance of pro bono work. Read on to find out more.

Graphic: Law Reform Advocacy to Prohibit Overly Broad Secrecy Orders in Litigated Cases

Law Reform Advocacy To Prohibit Overly Broad Secrecy Orders In Litigated Cases

By Don Resnikoff Public Justice and other Washington, D.C. area public interest organizations are advocating for law reform to prohibit overly broad secrecy orders in litigated cases. One goal is legislation that will limit court entry of orders that permit parties to withhold and keep secret important consumer information without substantial justification.  Several states have enacted “right to know” anti-secrecy laws that address the problem, including Florida, Louisiana, Montana, South Carolina, and Washington State. A California anti-secrecy law is being considered by legislators and may be adopted in the near future. Neither the District of Columbia, Maryland, nor Virginia have such laws.  The DC Consumer Rights Coalition, D.C. Bar Consumer and D.C. Affairs Communities/Sections, and others, plan to present a program this Summer in which attorneys representing Public Justice will advocate for local “right to know” law reform. One model for such local advocacy is the California “Public Right to Know Act” which was recently passed by the California State Senate.  As explained by Public Justice at https://www.publicjustice.net/california-senate-passes-public-right-to-know-act/, California Senate Bill 1149 would protect the public’s right to know the facts about dangerous public hazards that are discovered during litigation. The Public Justice posting explains that the California “Public Right to Know Act”— would do the following: Create a presumption that no court order may conceal information about a defective product or environmental hazard that poses a danger to public health or safety unless the court finds that the public interest in disclosure is clearly outweighed by a specific and substantial need for secrecy. Prohibit settlement agreements that restrict the disclosure of information about a defective product or environmental hazard that poses a danger to public health or safety, and make any provision in an agreement void as against public policy, and thus unenforceable. Narrowly tailor its application to only information about a “danger to public health or safety” that is likely to cause “significant or substantial bodily injury or illness, or death.” Sponsoring California Senator Connie M. Leyva explained that “Information about defects and hazards created by companies should never be hidden behind a veil of courthouse secrecy that can endanger the lives and safety of Californians . . . .The public must have access to this vital information so that they can decide—for themselves—how they can protect themselves and their families from these defective products or toxic hazards.  It is unconscionable that any company would ever seek to keep critical information that can lead to injuries or even deaths from the public—and all because of their desire to keep making profits.  I thank my Senate colleagues that voted for SB 1149 today, as they are standing on the side of the public by helping to prevent future injuries or deaths.” The Public Justice posting explains that for decades, overly broad court protective orders have enabled companies to shield evidence of threats to public safety and other corporate wrongdoing. Consumers Union has for many years supported “right to know” legislation in California. Elisa Odabashian, Senior Policy Analyst with Consumers Union’s West Coast Office, made the following statement in 2000  in support of legislative proposals resembling the current SB 1149 that would limit secret out-of-court settlements in product defect, environmental hazard, unfair insurance claims practice or financial fraud lawsuits. “Many lives could be saved and much suffering could be averted if corporations were not allowed to use secrecy orders in court settlements to hide information about product defects, environmental hazards, or financial fraud.” “The Firestone/Ford tire tragedies highlight how secrecy orders can have very serious consequences on public safety. Over the last decade–long before the recent recall of millions of Firestone tires sold largely on the popular Ford Explorer–there were 50-100 Firestone tire lawsuits. Most of these court cases were settled with secrecy orders in place that effectively kept information about the potential dangers associated with the tires from the public. According to the Detroit Free Press, to date, there have been 119 deaths and 500 serious injuries associated with Firestone tire tread separations. Many of these deaths and injuries could have been prevented if secret settlements had been barred.” Further information will be forthcoming about the upcoming DC Consumer Rights Coalition, DC Bar Consumer and D.C. Affairs Communities/Sections program in which attorneys representing Public Justice will advocate for local “right to know” law reform. Don Resnikoff is a member of Washington Council of Lawyers' Advocacy Committee.

Graphic: NACDL Return to Freedom Project

Pro Bono Opportunities in Clemency & Compassionate Release

NACDL’s Return to Freedom Project (R2F) helps those languishing in prison by partnering with different organizations to recruit, train, and support pro bono volunteers on clemency, compassionate release, and expungement. Find out how to volunteer!

Graphic: SF Immigration Panel

2022 Summer Forum Preview: Immigration & Human Rights Panel

The United States is a nation of immigrants. Lawyers who practice Immigration & Human Rights law help clients navigate safety, security, and entry into a new land. Their work can be life-saving and is almost always life-altering. Join our panel on Immigration & Human Rights practice on Thursday, June 23, from 1:15-2:30 pm ET. Register here to get the link for this insightful discussion of the litigation, policy, and advocacy work in these important fields.

Graphic: SF Civil Rights Panel

2022 Summer Forum Preview: Civil Rights & Civil Liberties Panel

At our 2021 Summer Forum, the Civil Rights & Civil Liberties panel will explore the critical role lawyers play in protecting individuals’ fundamental rights. The law prohibits discrimination in housing, lending, education, and employment, but too often, those rights are not protected without the expert guidance of a pro bono or public-interest lawyer. Civil Rights issues such as racial justice, voters’ rights, fair employment and housing, reproductive rights, and racial disparities in education are frequently in the news. Lawyers can use their skills to move toward justice and fairness. How? Our Civil Rights & Civil Liberties panel will discuss exciting pro bono opportunities and public-interest career options on Thursday, June 23, from 12:00-1:15 pm ET.

Graphic: SF Criminal Law & Death Penalty Panel

2022 Summer Forum Preview: Criminal Law & Death Penalty Panel

Our Constitution protects our most fundamental rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Criminal and death penalty lawyers fight every day to ensure that those fundamental principles are protected in our courts. Their cases can be gut-wrenching and involve some of the most impactful issues that lawyers handle. Whether a criminal or death penalty case is a part of your full-time public-interest gig or a pro bono interest, there is no doubt that your work matters. Learn more about this important area of law at our 2022 Summer Forum panel on Criminal Law & Death Penalty practice on Thursday, June 16, at 1:15 pm ET.  Register here to join the virtual conversation. 

Photo: Poverty Law Panel headshots

2022 Summer Forum Preview: Poverty Law Panel

The legal hurdles faced by individuals living in poverty are vast. They often face uphill battles with issues impacting the most fundamental human needs: family stability, safe housing, food security, fair employment, and freedom from fear and violence. Representation is vital in these areas, and the need is overwhelming. These areas of law often have the highest rate of pro se litigants; when pro bono or public-interest lawyers get involved, these cases also produce some of the most life-changing outcomes for the parties involved. Pro bono lawyers who take on these cases literally can be life-savers.

Graphic: SF Non-Litigation Panel

2022 Summer Forum Preview: Non-Litigation Pro Bono Panel

Most lawyers on TV spend nearly all of their time in courtrooms. In real life, however, lawyers do a host of transactional advocacy, and other non-litigation work. They engage in legislative advocacy, contract drafting, and lease negotiations. They also provide strategic advice on non-profit governance, copyright law, trademark infringement issues, and tax law. There are numerous pro bono opportunities that do not involve litigation, and our first 2022 Summer Forum panel will highlight some of that important and impactful work.

Graphic: Supreme Court View From The Press Gallery

Supreme Court: View from the Press Gallery

Grab your lunch and join us (virtually!) on Thursday, July 7, from 12:00-1:30 pm ET for an insightful evaluation of the recently-concluded Supreme Court term with those who know it best - the press who cover the Court. The Court’s formal decisions have been on the front pages—Roe is overruled, almost anyone has a right to carry a handgun in public, football coaches can pray on the 50-yard line—but what happens behind the scenes? The Justices and their clerks won’t talk, but this panel of distinguished journalists who cover the Court will take a behind-the-headlines look at the Supreme Court this Term, including the search for the leaker, the Chief Justice's loss of leadership, the change in how arguments are conducted, and the personalities and interactions among the Justices. Part news, part law, and part conjecture, this panel is sure to be intriguing! Our invited panelists include: Robert Barnes (Washington Post) Mark Sherman (AP) Kimberly Atkins Stohr (Boston Globe) Amy Howe (Howe on the Court) Adam Liptak (New York Times) David Savage (Los Angeles Times) The panel will be moderated by Art Spitzer, Senior Counsel, ACLU-DC. Our conversation will take place from 12:00-1:30 pm ET with an opportunity for networking with attendees from 1:30-2:00 pm ET. The cost of this program is just $15 for Washington Council of Lawyers members, $20 for public interest and government lawyers, and $25 for the general public & law firm attendees. (Join here to receive the discounted member price.) You won't want to miss this discussion of the Supreme Court term! Finally, if you'd like your summer associates or interns to attend and need assistance registering them as a group, email Christina Jackson at cjackson@wclawyers.org. Join and follow the conversation on Twitter using #SCOTUSpress!

Graphic: 2022 Summer Forum Civil Rights & Civil Liberties and Immigration & Human Rights Panel

2022 Summer Pro Bono & Public Interest Forum: Civil Rights & Civil Liberties and Immigration & Human Rights

Our Summer Pro Bono & Public Interest Forum is an annual tradition that brings together lawyers, summer associates, summer interns, and others interested in using their law degrees to help those in need. It’s also a great way to highlight the importance of pro bono and public-interest work throughout one’s legal career. You may register to attend the Summer Forum anytime before Thursday, June 23. If you missed previous sessions, we will send you links to the recordings of those earlier events.  The forum kicked off with keynote speaker Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice. Attorney-General Clarke is a lifelong civil rights lawyer who has spent her entire career in public service. She has a wealth of legal experience including working as a trial attorney in the Civil Rights Division, working on voting rights and election law with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, serving as head of the Civil Rights Bureau for the New York State Attorney General's Office, and as president and executive director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.  This conversation will take place in person on Wednesday, June 8 from 12:00 – 2:00 pm ET at Arnold & Porter. Doors open at 11:45 am with lunch from 12:00-1:00 pm and AAG Kristen Clarke's remarks from 1:00-2:00 pm. A live stream is also available. The first virtual practice-area panel discussion will follow on Thursday, June 9 from 12:00 – 1:15 pm ET. There will be networking time before and after the panel. Then, over the following two weeks, you will have the opportunity to attend the remainder of the virtual panel presentations where you can learn more about pro bono and public-interest work in DC and all across the country. Each panel will focus on a different practice area, featuring presentations by national and local experts in that legal specialty. The panel topics will include: June 9 – Non-Litigation Pro Bono June 16 – Poverty Law June 16 – Criminal Law & Death Penalty June 23 – Civil Rights & Civil Liberties - 12:00-1:15 pm ET June 23 – Immigration & Human Rights - 1:15-2:30 pm ET The Summer Forum is open to Washington Council of Lawyers members (join), participants in summer associate and summer intern programs, lawyers in law firms, government and public-interest organizations, law students, and others interested in learning more about incorporating public-interest law into their practice. You can attend from anywhere! A single registration provides access to all four days of Summer Forum sessions. And if you miss a session, don't fret. Recordings of each session will be sent to all registered attendees. The cost is just $35 for WCL Members; $45 for Government & Public-Interest Lawyers, Interns, and Individual Law Students; and $65 for Law Firm Lawyers, Summer Associates, Corporate Law Department Lawyers, and Law Department Interns, and the General Public.  Summer Program Coordinators: If you’d like your summer associates or interns to attend, but don’t yet know their names, you can register them as guests (First name: Guest 1, Last Name: Organization Name). Please email Christina Jackson (at cjackson@wclawyers.org) if you need any assistance. Look for updates and join the conversation about the Summer Forum using #SumFo22 on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!

Graphic: 2022 Summer Forum Poverty Law & Criminal Law Panel

2022 Summer Pro Bono & Public Interest Forum: Poverty Law and Criminal Law & Death Penalty

Our Summer Pro Bono & Public Interest Forum is an annual tradition that brings together lawyers, summer associates, summer interns, and others interested in using their law degrees to help those in need. It’s also a great way to highlight the importance of pro bono and public-interest work throughout one’s legal career. You may register to attend the Summer Forum anytime before Thursday, June 23. If you missed previous sessions, we will send you links to the recordings of those earlier events.  The forum kicked off with keynote speaker Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice. Attorney-General Clarke is a lifelong civil rights lawyer who has spent her entire career in public service. She has a wealth of legal experience including working as a trial attorney in the Civil Rights Division, working on voting rights and election law with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, serving as head of the Civil Rights Bureau for the New York State Attorney General's Office, and as president and executive director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.  This conversation will take place in person on Wednesday, June 8 from 12:00 – 2:00 pm ET at Arnold & Porter. Doors open at 11:45 am with lunch from 12:00-1:00 pm and AAG Kristen Clarke's remarks from 1:00-2:00 pm. A live stream is also available. The first virtual practice-area panel discussion will follow on Thursday, June 9 from 12:00 – 1:15 pm ET. There will be networking time before and after the panel. Then, over the following two weeks, you will have the opportunity to attend the remainder of the virtual panel presentations where you can learn more about pro bono and public-interest work in DC and all across the country. Each panel will focus on a different practice area, featuring presentations by national and local experts in that legal specialty. The panel topics will include: June 9 – Non-Litigation Pro Bono June 16 – Poverty Law - 12:00-1:15 pm ET June 16 – Criminal Law & Death Penalty - 1:15-2:30 pm ET June 23 – Civil Rights & Civil Liberties - 12:00-1:15 pm ET June 23 – Immigration & Human Rights - 1:15-2:30 pm ET The Summer Forum is open to Washington Council of Lawyers members (join), participants in summer associate and summer intern programs, lawyers in law firms, government and public-interest organizations, law students, and others interested in learning more about incorporating public-interest law into their practice. You can attend from anywhere! A single registration provides access to all four days of Summer Forum sessions. And if you miss a session, don't fret. Recordings of each session will be sent to all registered attendees. The cost is just $35 for WCL Members; $45 for Government & Public-Interest Lawyers, Interns, and Individual Law Students; and $65 for Law Firm Lawyers, Summer Associates, Corporate Law Department Lawyers, and Law Department Interns, and the General Public.  Summer Program Coordinators: If you’d like your summer associates or interns to attend, but don’t yet know their names, you can register them as guests (First name: Guest 1, Last Name: Organization Name). Please email Christina Jackson (at cjackson@wclawyers.org) if you need any assistance. Look for updates and join the conversation about the Summer Forum using #SumFo22 on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!

Graphic: 2022 Summer Forum Non-Litigation Pro Bono Panel

2022 Summer Pro Bono & Public Interest Forum: Non-Litigation Pro Bono Opportunities Virtual Panel

Our Summer Pro Bono & Public Interest Forum is an annual tradition that brings together lawyers, summer associates, summer interns, and others interested in using their law degrees to help those in need. It’s also a great way to highlight the importance of pro bono and public-interest work throughout one’s legal career. You may register to attend the Summer Forum anytime before Thursday, June 23. If you missed previous sessions, we will send you links to the recordings of those earlier events.  The forum kicked off with keynote speaker Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Justice. Attorney-General Clarke is a lifelong civil rights lawyer who has spent her entire career in public service. She has a wealth of legal experience including working as a trial attorney in the Civil Rights Division, working on voting rights and election law with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, serving as head of the Civil Rights Bureau for the New York State Attorney General's Office, and as president and executive director of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.  This conversation will take place in person on Wednesday, June 8 from 12:00 – 2:00 pm ET at Arnold & Porter. Doors open at 11:45 am with lunch from 12:00-1:00 pm and AAG Kristen Clarke's remarks from 1:00-2:00 pm. A live stream is also available. The first virtual practice-area panel discussion will follow on Thursday, June 9 from 12:00 – 1:15 pm ET. There will be networking time before and after the panel. Then, over the following two weeks, you will have the opportunity to attend the remainder of the virtual panel presentations where you can learn more about pro bono and public-interest work in DC and all across the country. Each panel will focus on a different practice area, featuring presentations by national and local experts in that legal specialty. The panel topics will include: June 9 – Non-Litigation Pro Bono - 12:00-1:15 pm ET June 16 – Poverty Law - 12:00-1:15 pm ET June 16 – Criminal Law & Death Penalty - 1:15-2:30 pm ET June 23 – Civil Rights & Civil Liberties - 12:00-1:15 pm ET June 23 – Immigration & Human Rights - 1:15-2:30 pm ET The Summer Forum is open to Washington Council of Lawyers members (join), participants in summer associate and summer intern programs, lawyers in law firms, government and public-interest organizations, law students, and others interested in learning more about incorporating public-interest law into their practice. You can attend from anywhere! A single registration provides access to all four days of Summer Forum sessions. And if you miss a session, don't fret. Recordings of each session will be sent to all registered attendees. The cost is just $35 for WCL Members; $45 for Government & Public-Interest Lawyers, Interns, and Individual Law Students; and $65 for Law Firm Lawyers, Summer Associates, Corporate Law Department Lawyers, and Law Department Interns, and the General Public.  Summer Program Coordinators: If you’d like your summer associates or interns to attend, but don’t yet know their names, you can register them as guests (First name: Guest 1, Last Name: Organization Name). Please email Christina Jackson (at cjackson@wclawyers.org) if you need any assistance. Look for updates and join the conversation about the Summer Forum using #SumFo22 on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!

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